Location: Gunnison
Top Things to do in Gunnison
Top 10 Things to do in Gunnison, United States
Gunnison offers a vibrant cultural scene, ranching heritage and bountiful natural resources. It’s truly a unique destination for outdoor, culinary and art enthusiasts. Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado, a perfect spot for world-class fishing. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is nearby, with scenic overlooks and diverse hiking trails. The annual Cattlemen’s Days, featuring rodeo competitions, carnival and live music, is Colorado’s oldest rodeo.
Restaurants in Gunnison
1. Blue Mesa Fishing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 109 reviews
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest reservoir and home to the largest in Kokanee Salmon population in the Western US. Blue Mesa Reservoir is 330 feet at the deepest point and is made up of 3 basins, 4 boat launches, two marinas and over 100 miles of shoreline. It is truly a magnificent area nestled in the Rocky Mountains
Reviewed By Bethany F - Bryan, Texas
Our family fished a half day Kokanee Salmon trip on the Blue Mesa. Robby was fantastic and we were able to catch our limit thanks to his guidance and knowledge. He is a very polite Christian man and we would recommend him for a fishing...MoreThank you Bethany, it was great meeting and fishing with you guys and I look forward to fishing with you in the future! God Bless
2. Gunnison National Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 96 reviews
National preserve that encompasses part of Colorado's central mountains, around the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte.
Reviewed By Fisher327 - Buffalo, Wyoming
We were in a Jeep so were not intimidated by some of the rougher roads. We saw pickups, Subaru's, and even one VW Bug on our trip.
This is a must see for anyone who loves the outdoors. Most of the roads are very passable. If you have time (and a map) do try to make it to Paradise Divide (over 11,000 ft). There is a pond there, at the top of the world and when the wind is calm the sky, clouds, trees and surrounding mountains are beautifully reflected in the water.
We were watchful for wildlife and saw mule deer and a couple of cow elk.
We had our dogs with us and let them run a bit in the Paradise Valley (our name for it) and PLAY IN THE SNOW IN AUGUST.
We had a wonderful time and plan a return trip to send several days exploring and discovering if all of the fishy looking creeks have fish in them!!
3. Curecanti National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
This 42,000-acre Recreation Area features three reservoirs, Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal, which are surrounded by rugged, steep-walled canyons and mesas.
Reviewed By Amnon F - Tel Aviv District, Israel
You travel along in this area, on the one side you see plenty of water in the gunnison reservoir, the blue Mesa reservoir and in the rivers and streams that flow everywhere and on the other side the hills and mountains are arid with low shrubs and plants... however it is still a beautiful area, one can stop at many rest and recreation areas some areas offer fishing options. The towering mountains in the distance are a perfect frame for the picturesque area
4. Gunnison Pioneer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By NC1hiker - Redding, California
We recently visited the Gunnison Pioneer Museum. Our 9 year old son really enjoyed the variety of the exhibits. Plan on at least 2-3 hours or more. The admission fee for adults is $10, children 6-12 are $3. They take cash but cannot process credit cards.
They do have an amazing array of exhibits from a Denver and Rio Grande steam train with cars and caboose, to a twenty + collection of historic automobiles from 1908 through the 1970's. They have two historic schools, tractors, a house, the log cabin that housed the first post office. They have relics from the 1874 Alferd Packer incident at Lake City, Colorado. The have a nice military collection of items. Garments from the last 150 years. There is too much to list.
I would recommend this museum for anyone interested in history especially Gunnison County.
5. Gothic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Now a research station and learning center, once was one of the wildest wild west towns.
Reviewed By Rick U - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Wow, what a drive and what awesome trails near Gothic. While camping, dispersed or otherwise, are not allowed from June 15 to August 15, Gothic is worth a visit. Make sure to stop by the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory visitors' center.
6. Crystal Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By centaur41 - Knoxville
A rough drive over a rocky road (not gravel) had the driver frazzled, but after getting there it was glorious. A perfect afternoon. We navigated through countless photographers all vying for the perfect angle -- but maybe they're all perfect! Four of us basked in it's faded beauty (the Japanese call this wabi-sabi) and thought up stories ... explored the creek (a few hazardous spots) and made sure we left before we'd be on that road in darkness.
7. Tin Cup
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Former ghost town now a Summer resort.
Reviewed By jerekson - Loveland, Colorado
First stay here I stayed in Dan Tredway's cabin back in 2007, not long before he passed away. Great introduction to this old mining town. The cabins are all pretty rustic in this area, and very off the beaten path. The road in from Highway 50 goes over the pass at over 10000 feet and is a breathtaking view. Tent camping is what we usually do up here, just wherever we find a spot off the road up toward the lake.
8. Gunnison City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Peggy H
We visited the park twice during our visit to Gunnison: for their Sunday night outdoor concert, and then again for the 4th of July fireworks display. Our family of four really enjoyed this park. There was a lot of great playground equipment that appealed to kids of all ages. The park also had a basketball court, nice restrooms, and plenty of picnic tables. My kids didn't want to leave! The only issue we came across was MOSQUITOES and lots of them.
9. Dillon Pinnacles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Two-mile hiking trail takes visitors through dry mesa to the pinnacles, towering volcanic formations that dominate the Curecanti National Recreation Area's landscape.
Reviewed By Amnon F - Tel Aviv District, Israel
This is definitely a sight to admire, these pinnacles sculptured by wind and rain for millions of years are beautiful. Together with the reservoir below this makes a real work of art.
There is a dedicated view point with tremendous views and a short explanation of the phenomenon
10. Pine Creek
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Scenic hiking trail in Colorado's Curecanti National Recreation Area.
Reviewed By cwt2015
This is the beautiful trail you will take after you sign up for the famous Morrow Point Boat Tour by calling 970-641-2337 for required advance reservations.
The Pine Creek Parking Lot is located off U.S. Highway 50 at Mile Post 130.
Begin your adventure by descending to the bottom of the spectacular Black Canyon of the Gunnison via 232 easy steps, with handrails, along the fast-flowing Pine Creek. Then enjoy walking another 2/3 mile along the Gunnison River on the historic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Guage rail bed to the government boat dock. Give yourself plenty of time because the photo ops are incredible.
There are bathrooms and picnic tables at the boat dock, and for those who have time, the trail on the historic rail bed continues for about another 1/4 mile.
Fishing is outstanding all along this trail. If you plan to take the boat tour, bring your fishing gear so you can fish before and/or after your boat tour.
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